The future of the street warden scheme in the Ernesford Grange area of Coventry and the city centre is brighter thanks to a government cash injection.

Deputy prime minister John Prescott has pledged &#xA3;2.2 million for street warden schemes in the West Midlands.

Coventry's share of the cash will ensure the future of the street warden scheme in Ernesford Grange and the city centre for another year.

When the current funding runs out the latest cash grant will kick in.

Coventry City Council's cabinet member for community wellbeing Cllr Colleen Fletcher (Lab, Wyken) said: "Wardens have had a significant impact in local communities and contributed to revitalising neighbourhoods and reducing the fear of crime.

"The city council are currently reviewing the long term sustainability of warden schemes and this welcome additional funding will extend the presence of the wardens patrolling the city centre and Ernesford Grange for a further 12 months beyond their original end date."

The Ernesford Grange street warden scheme has been welcomed by police, not-for-profit landlord Whitefriars and many residents.

There have been a number of successes since it was launched last year. These include a football match with local youngsters, a community safety quiz and day out for older residents and an incident in which a street warden stopped a suspected burglar.

There are other street warden schemes in the Canley, Willenhall and Stoke Aldermoor areas of Coventry. But these schemes aren't in line for a share of the latest cash injection.

Mr Prescott pledged the cash during a trip to the seaside town of Hastings to see how neighbourhood wardens have worked there.

He said: "Making neighbourhoods clean and safe benefits everybody. Already we can see the impact that wardens and neighbourhood management have in helping residents to revitalise their neighbourhoods and reclaim their their streets."